Learn more about volunteer and donation opportunities in the Lake Houston area. For specific volunteer requirements, contact the organization directly.

Paw Pact Rescue: Founding Director and Chair Rachel Wagner said the Lake Houston area-based animal welfare organization is always in need of volunteers. The nonprofit rescues, rehabilitates and finds forever homes for animals in need.

• Sample activities: fostering animals; working cat care shifts at the Summerwood and New Caney PetSmart locations; transporting pets for surgeries; organizing the storage unit; assisting with setup, teardown and pet supervision at adoption events
• Donations accepted: monetary, Amazon wishlist for supplies such as cat food, dog food and cat litter

• Sample activities: planting trees, watering trees, clearing vines during Median Madness events
• Donations accepted: monetary donations can be made through the KSA Parks Foundation or the Trees for Houston (Kingwood) website

Outback Steakhouse in Humble permanently closed on Nov. 17.

The details: While officials from Outhouse Steakhouse could not be reached for comment, a recorded message from the Humble location’s voicemail confirmed the location has permanently shut down. Additionally, the Humble location has been removed from Outback’s website.

What they offer: Outback Steakhouse offered steaks, chicken and seafood dining options. The chain also features signature appetizers like the Bloomin’ Onion as well as salads, soups and sides.

• Closed Nov. 17
• 9753 FM 1960 Bypass, Humble

Home affordability in the Houston region has remained steady, according to the October housing affordability report from the Houston Association of Realtors.

The big picture: HAR reports single-family home sales rose 3.2% year-over-year compared to October 2024.

The average home price has remained flat at $423,955, while the median price of $330,000 has declined for the seventh month in a row.

HAR states the trend indicates that the market is gradually shifting toward a more balanced level after years of rapid price growth.

• Nov. 25, 6:30-8 p.m.
• Free
• Lindale Church, 503 Reid St., Houston

• Nov. 26, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Free
• Salem Community Center, 22601 Lutheran Church Road, Tomball

• Nov. 27, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 12100 Champion Forest Drive, Houston

Missed any Community Impact articles from this week? Check out the top trending stories from Community Impact's coverage areas in Houston from Nov. 17-21.

League City residents raise concerns about Marina del Sol
Several residents raised public safety concerns about the waterfront Marina del Sol development at the Nov. 18 League City City Council meeting, prompting city officials to commit to seeking solutions at a future December meeting.
Uncover the full story by Reporter Rachel Leland.

Conroe City Council approves contract for traffic signal reconstruction at I-45, South Loop 336
Conroe City Council voted Nov. 13 to award a contract for the reconstruction of a damaged traffic signal at the intersection of I-45’s southbound frontage road and South Loop 336, according to city documents.
Expand your knowledge with Reporter Nichaela Shaheen.

Sugar Land’s Walmart Neighborhood Market to remain open during renovations
The Walmart Neighborhood Market stor is set to undergo after-hours renovations to streamline the shopping experience while remaining fully open to customers, store officials said.
See more from Reporter Valeria Escobar.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is moving forward with a set of permanent rules designed to prohibit the sale of consumable THC products to anyone under 21 years old.

The overview: The proposal is similar to emergency rules adopted Sept. 23, which are currently in effect and prohibit Texas alcohol retailers from selling intoxicating THC products to minors. The state health department adopted similar emergency rules in October.

The context: The existing and proposed THC rules are the result of a September executive order by Gov. Greg Abbott, who called for age restrictions on THC sales and tighter guardrails on the multibillion-dollar industry.

Earlier this month, federal lawmakers approved a ban on most consumable THC products, which is set to take effect in November 2026. The ban is part of a federal funding package that became law Nov. 12, ending a 43-day federal government shutdown.

Next steps: Texans can weigh in on the TABC's proposed permanent rules during a Dec. 11 virtual public hearing or submit written public comments through Jan. 4.